By Sam Gilkey
For the News-Gazette

With apologies to Jeff Foxworthy:

You might be a redneck if....you attend the Redneck Gala.

For the sixth year, St. Cloud Main Street is sponsoring the social event of the season from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday on Albritton Road, off Hickory Tree Road, east of St. Cloud.

“We are hoping for 200 people this year,” said Paula Stark, program manager of the Main Street group. “We still have tickets available at our office on Pennsylvania Avenue or by calling 407-498-0008. The price is $50 and that includes a great steak dinner, entertainment by the band Slickwood, beer and wine and redneck games.”

Stark said the only extra charge is bidding during an auction of several items as well as a raffle for a gun.

“Dress is redneck attire,” she said. “It’s whatever you like. Just dress down, be comfortable and laid back and plan to have a good time.

“We have actually been ahead of the curve with our Redneck Gala. It came about long before the reality shows that are on TV these days. There won’t be any film crews with us this weekend.”

Vinny Shephard is heading up the redneck games.

“We have several of them again this year,” he said. “Redneck bowling is pushing a 6-foot tire around and trying to knock down garbage cans. Redneck horseshoes are toilet seats and you have to throw them at the stake. We have the plunger and toilet paper relay and a special version of redneck golf.”

And what’s a Redneck Gala without a watermelon seed-spitting contest and a corn hole tournament? They are both a part of the evening.

Turner Construction is the main sponsor this year. Other sponsors include: Draper Law, St. Cloud Regional Medical Center, Folsom Services, Account On Us, Kissimmee Bay Country Club, Kisselback Ford, Edward Jones Investments and Don Schmidt Roofing.

Proceeds from the evening go to St. Cloud Main Street projects between Massachusetts and Florida Avenues and 13th Street and Lakeshore Boulevard.